A Conversation About Autism, Motherhood, and Radical Acceptance

Motherness by Julie M. Green isn’t about tragedy or superpowers — just the messy, hilarious, complicated truth of being an autistic mom.

Join me, Kate Lynch, on Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents, as I talk with Julie M. Green, author of Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance.

This conversation explores autistic motherhood, late-diagnosed autism, intergenerational neurodivergence, and the emotional labor of parenting kids who don’t fit the mold. Julie shares what it was like to discover her own autism a decade after her son’s diagnosis and reflects on masking, shame, anger, and the humor that keeps her afloat.

We also dive into:

-the loneliness of parenting “different” kids

-why aggressive or dysregulated behaviors are so misunderstood

-the pressure mothers carry in ableist systems

-how self-compassion and honesty make room for joy

If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if you may be autistic, or searching for stories that make you feel less alone, Motherness is one of those rare memoirs that feels both tender and sharp — vulnerable, funny, and deeply human.

“It can be hard for people to feel empathetic when a child is lashing out. But it’s all variations of the same thing: dysregulation.”

If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if you may be autistic, or searching for stories that make you feel less alone, Motherness is one of those rare memoirs that feels both tender and sharp — vulnerable, funny, and deeply human.

If you’re reading Motherness or thinking about it, tell us in the comments here:

https://katelynch.substack.com/p/generational-autism-radical-acceptance

If you’ve had a glimmer lately, we’d love to hear that too.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:50 Julie M. Green's Writing Style

01:42 Radical Acceptance and Self-Compassion

02:47 Julie M. Green's Autism Journey

05:41 Parenting Challenges and Community

07:26 Aggression and Behavioral Challenges

10:29 Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth

13:02 Balancing Humor and Hardship

22:16 Spontaneous Joyful Moments

24:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell